Transportation
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Drive Oregon wants e-bikes to help riders on that dreaded last mile
Drive Oregon has landed a grant that could help illustrate the electric vehicle advocate’s eclectic mission. The public-private partnership that hopes to fortify Oregon’s electric vehicle industry…
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Cycle Oregon delivers millions in grants, retail spending
As Cycle Oregon gears up for its 2013 ride in September, organizers are pointing to past spending in rural communities as a sign that cycling tourism contributes significant dollars to rural economies. Which,…
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My EV isn't my valentine, but there's a lot to love
My interest in electric vehicles began back in the late 1990s, when my husband and I converted a 1987 Fiat Spider. It was a challenge and a conversation starter. I embraced the cutting-edge technology…
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Pacific University teams with Zipcar
Pacific University announced Thursday it will partner with Zipcar Inc. to offer a car-sharing program on campus. The service will offer a Toyota Prius and a Ford Focus to be based at the school's Forest…
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Visual map shows concentration of Portland's bike commuters
John Nelson, a designer behind data driven maps that provide visual illustrations of how people move around cities, has taken on the Portland bike commute. As FastCo.Exist reports, "Nelson started fielding…
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Comments on high-speed rail in Oregon roll in
A series of public and online forums about a proposed high-speed rail line from Eugene to Portland has attracted about 1,000 public comments over the past several weeks, as Oregonians continue to debate…
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Why 2012 was pivotal for next-gen transportation
2012 was a pivotal year for the electric vehicle industry, in both Oregon and throughout the United States. We expect to keep that momentum revving this year with tax incentives, lower price points, more…
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Car-sharing services help city dwellers
I’ve had a car since I was 16 years old. From that sweet, little Corolla that survived me, my brother and my sister learning to drive a stick, to “Bianca,” my white bumper-sticker-laden Sentra that…
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Oregon leads in bike signal use
A handful of Oregon cities now account for about a quarter of the 16 cities in the nation that are installing new bike-specific traffic signals at intersections. The purpose of the signals is to make…
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Per-mile tax targeting efficient cars back on the table for Oregon Legislature
A law aimed at capturing money for road upkeep from EV and fuel-efficient drivers appears headed for revival at the Oregon Legislature in 2013. State lawmakers introduced a bill last year proposing to…
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Avis buys Zipcar, joins the 'sharing economy'
The sharing economy—if anyone had any lingering doubts— definitely has wheels. Car rental giant Avis announced today that it is buying the vehicle-sharing company Zipcar for $491.2 million, expanding…
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Conscious Commuter seeking $1.5M for e-bike
Fold up electric bike designer Conscious Commuter is looking to raise $1.5 million debt financing, according to paperwork filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. In October, the Portland…
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Fears of climate change hit South Florida
High tides and storms created more havoc in South Florida during 2012 than many could remember in recent years, while Miami Beach and other communities began real planning for rising sea levels. Beachgoers…
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How to stretch the spirit of the season
No matter what holiday you celebrate this month, I encourage you to consider ways to stretch the spirit of the season – maybe for a week, a month, a year. In some instances, maybe even a lifetime. Helping…
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Portland ecodistricts move ahead under city guidance
Portland's five designated ecodistricts are looking ahead to the new year with resolutions and priorities, operating under the leadership of the city of Portland's Bureau of Planning and Sustainability. A…
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Gov. Kitzhaber releases final 10-year energy plan for Oregon
Gov. John Kitzhaber on Monday released the final version of his 10-Year Energy Action Plan, an outline for energy policy and focus for Oregon that sets out to improve energy efficiency across the state,…
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Nike expansion: Could it involve U.S. manufacturing?
Nike Inc. this week said it would expand in Oregon creating at least 500 new jobs within the next five years pending the passage of a critical piece of legislation Friday. The athletic footwear and apparel…
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MetroMile debuts pay-per-mile car insurance in Oregon
California technology company MetroMile debuted a new insurance product in Oregon Wednesday that charges drivers a monthly fee based on the number of miles driven each month. MetroMile is targeting low-mileage…
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PDX could be underwater as climate change pushes up sea levels
News coverage of Superstorm Sandy pushed the impacts of rising waters to the forefront, prompting new climate change debates. Meanwhile, in Southern Florida, ongoing beach erosion near Fort Lauderdale…
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Coalition formed to oppose Oregon Clean Fuels Program
In advance of a meeting next week at the Environmental Quality Commission about the adoption of the Oregon Clean Fuels Program, a coalition of businesses have organized to opposed the effort. Oregonians…
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Portland Public Schools adds propane buses to fleet
Students at Portland Public Schools are now riding state-of-the-art propane buses thanks to an updated contract with First Student Inc. and a federal grant to CleanFUEL USA. As they hit the streets, those…
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Focus Designs selling one-wheeled EV for commuter's last mile
Angel investor-backed Focus Designs is shipping to customers its one-wheeled Segway-like vehicle aimed at commuters. The electric vehicle, called an SBU for self-balancing unicycle, can go about 10 miles…
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Newsmakers: A.P. Hurd talks up the carbon efficiency of city living
A.P. Hurd has some ideas for us on ways to make cities more efficient consumers of carbon — and how to pay for it. The Seattle-based vice president of Touchstone, a real estate development firm focused…
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Hillsboro's transportation hubs concept a finalist for $5M prize
Hillsboro announced Monday it is one of 20 finalist cities selected to compete for a $5 million prize with its idea to create transportation hubs throughout the city to better connect commuters with sustainable…
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BNSF: Coal trains won't congest Puget Sound cargo trains
With environmental hearings under way on Bellingham's controversial Gateway Pacific Terminal, which would handle bulk exports including coal, we thought it was time to share recent thoughts on the subject…
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